London, February 24, 2024, The Europe Today: In a resounding display of dominance, Arsenal continued their impressive run in the Premier League with a commanding 4-1 victory over a beleaguered Newcastle United at the vibrant Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The home side asserted their authority early in the game, as an unfortunate own goal by Sven Botman and a clinical finish by Kai Havertz saw Arsenal take a comfortable 2-0 lead into halftime. The dynamic duo of Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior added to the tally in the second half, securing Arsenal’s sixth consecutive league win this year.
The victory propelled Mikel Arteta’s side to 58 points after 26 games, just two points behind leaders Liverpool and one point adrift of second-placed Manchester City, who secured a 1-0 win against Bournemouth earlier in the day.
Speaking after the match, Havertz emphasized the importance of winning games and putting pressure on the top two teams. “The fans give us so much energy; it’s crucial for us and gives us a big boost,” he told TNT Sports.
Arsenal opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Botman inadvertently directed the ball into his own net after a goalmouth scramble. Havertz doubled the lead six minutes later with a well-placed shot from the edge of the six-yard box.
The first half showcased Arsenal’s dominance, with 64% possession and 12 goal attempts, while Newcastle failed to register a shot – a Premier League first for them since March 2014.
Saka extended Arsenal’s lead to 3-0 in the 65th minute with his 13th league goal of the season, cutting inside from the right before finding the far corner. Kiwior sealed the victory with a header from a Declan Rice corner, making it 4-0.
Newcastle managed to pull one back through former Arsenal forward Joe Willock, who scored with a fine looping header in the 84th minute. However, it proved too little, too late for Eddie Howe’s struggling side, currently positioned in eighth place with 37 points.
The win served as a perfect response for Arsenal following their disappointing 1-0 loss to Porto in the Champions League last-16 first leg. Havertz acknowledged the significance of the victory, stating, “It was very important; we did well today after a tough game on Wednesday.”
Meanwhile, a disappointed Eddie Howe admitted, “Arsenal were very good; we weren’t, and we got punished. We were off in most aspects of our games, we didn’t do the basics right.” Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of the league title continues as they maintain the pressure on the frontrunners.
